Spears, 31, said his goals include increasing financing for fighting crime and for recreational programs, recruiting businesses that provide good-paying jobs, and building new senior citizen centers.

"My education and my work experience have prepared and inspired me to become a public servant who will improve the quality of life for all of the citizens in District 3," he said in a news release.

After graduating from Ehret High School in 1998, Spears received a bachelor's degree in political science from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 2001. In 2005, he received a law degree from the Southern University Law Center.

A former Orleans Parish prosecutor, Spears worked four years for Jefferson Parish as an assistant attorney and as a liaison to the parish's legislative delegation.

Spears, who is married and lives in Marrero, resigned his parish job to run for the council in the Oct. 22 primary.

The 3rd District includes parts of Harvey, Marrero, Waggaman, Avondale and south Kenner. The October ballot includes races for Jefferson Parish president and council, statewide offices and the Louisiana House and Senate. Runoffs, where necessary, will be held Nov. 19.